How to Clean and Remove Pet Urine From a Mattress?
Pet accidents happen, and unfortunately, they often occur on your bed. If you have a pet that is not fully house-trained or an elderly pet starting to have accidents, you may wonder how to clean pet urine from your mattress.
Here are the steps to clean your mattress, and we’ll give you some tips on how to prevent pet stains from happening in the future.
Determine the Stained Area
Pet urine can be stubborn to clean, especially if it’s been there for a while. If you have an older pet and suspect your mattress may have taken a hit, you must locate the urine deposits before cleaning them. First, check for stains on the mattress surface. If you see discolouration on the top of the mattress, some urine should be soaked underneath. Next, run your nose over the mattress, looking for any spots with a strong ammonia smell (the scent of urine).
If neither method produces results, it might be time to use technology. We recommend the Lighting Ever LE UV Torch, 9 LED 395nm Ultraviolet Flashlight, Blacklight Detector for Pet Urine, Stain, and Bed Bugs from Amazon UK. You can purchase a black light online or at home improvement stores (they work by reacting with phosphorus in animal waste). Please turn off all other lights in your room and shine them over your entire mattress surface; anywhere pet urine is present, it will glow green or yellow under the black light.
Remove any bedding from the mattress
Before cleaning, you’ll want to remove any bedding, pillows, or other materials on your mattress. This will give you full access to the soiled areas and ensure your cleaning solution doesn’t damage any of your bedding. You don’t want to leave anything on the mattress while you’re cleaning because it’s probably soiled. You want complete access to your mattress to ensure you clean up all the spots.
Put your bedding in the washing machine
Wash your bedding in hot water. Use a good quality detergent and a stain remover in the washing machine. If possible, use a pre-wash stain remover to treat any areas of your sheets or mattress which might be stained with urine.
Use a stain remover
You will use a stain remover to remove any remaining stains from your mattress. Follow the instructions on the label and apply it to your mattress using a spray bottle. Use a damp cloth to wipe away the solution and repeat until there are no more stains. Once you’re done, allow the mattress to dry completely before using it again.
Vacuum the mattress
To remove any hair or dirt, you’ll want to vacuum the mattress thoroughly. Use a handheld or stick vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. Vacuum the entire mattress surface, and don’t forget to do the sides! Mattresses tend to have seams, so ensure these areas are good, too. When finished vacuuming your mattress, it should look clear of visible dirt and debris.
Allow the mattress to dry completely before using it
To ensure that the smell is eradicated and to avoid a urine stain from becoming a permanent fixture on the mattress, you’ll need to let it dry completely before using it again. While this may take up to 24 hours, you can speed up the process by keeping the area well-ventilated or using a fan or open window to circulate air.
If the pet urine smell is still present, you may need to repeat the above steps at least once more
Pet urine is hard to remove entirely because the acidity of pet urine is so strong that it can dissolve some types of fabric. It can take multiple treatments to remove all the odour, and if you suspect your pet may have peed on your mattress in the past, be prepared for a long process. If you try these steps several times and still smell urine, it may be time to replace the mattress.
5 tips to prevent your pet from urinating on your bed
- Keep your bedroom door closed at all times – It doesn’t matter if you’re asleep or at work; if you want to keep your pet from urinating on your bed, you must always keep your bedroom door closed. This will prevent them from accessing your bed and give you more time to catch them before they can go.
- Train your pet to use the bathroom outside – Your pet must be trained to use the bathroom outside. They will continue using your bed as their toilet if they are not. Take them out frequently, especially after they eat or drink, and praise them when they go to the bathroom in the appropriate spot.
- Consider using a pet crate – If your pet has trouble staying away from your bed, you may want to consider using a pet crate. This will give them space and prevent them from accessing your bed.
- Clean up any accidents immediately – If your pet has an accident on your bed, cleaning it immediately is essential. Use a pet-safe cleaner and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You can use white vinegar and water if you don’t have a pet-safe cleaner.
- Take your pet to the vet regularly – If you’re having trouble with your pet urinating on your bed, it’s essential to take them to the vet for a check-up. There could be an underlying health issue that is causing the problem. Regular vet visits are also crucial for your pet’s health and well-being.
You must realize that some pet accidents are unavoidable
The sad truth is that no matter how hard you try, there will be times when your pet has an accident on your bed. It’s essential to remain calm and not punish your pet. Clean up the mess and continue to work on training your pet to use the bathroom in the appropriate spot.
That doesn’t mean you don’t scold your pet
If you find your pet in the act of urinating on your bed, it’s essential to scold them. This will let them know that what they are doing is wrong. Be sure to use a firm, authoritative voice. Do not hit or strike your pet in any way. You also need to be consistent with your scolding. If you only scold them sometimes, they will become confused and won’t understand what they’re doing wrong.
Physical or mental health issues may cause a pet to urinate on your bed
Your pet urinating on your bed may be due to physical or mental health issues. If you’ve ruled out a medical problem, working with a behaviourist or animal trainer is essential to help your pet overcome its issues.
It’s not unheard of for a pet to urinate on its owner’s bed out of anxiety or fear. This is often the case with dogs who were previously abused or neglected. If this is the case with your pet, being patient and working with a professional to help them overcome their fears is essential. Sometimes, a pet may urinate on its owner’s bed because they are trying to assert dominance. This is most commonly seen in dogs but can also happen with cats. If you think this is the case with your pet, consulting with a professional is essential to determine how to address the issue best.
Final Thoughts
If your pet is urinating on your bed, taking action is essential. You can do several things to prevent the problem, including keeping your bedroom door closed, training your pet to use the bathroom outside, and using a pet crate. If your pet has an accident, cleaning it up immediately is essential. It would be best to take your pet to the vet to avoid medical problems. If the problem persists, you may need to consult with a behaviourist or animal trainer.